Fresh flowers can brighten any room, but keeping them vibrant often proves a challenge. However, a flower expert has shared a simple hack costing just 1p that can extend their life by several days. Igor Podyablonskiy from MyFlowers suggests dropping a few copper coins—1p or 2p pieces—into the bottom of a vase before adding water. The copper acts as a natural antibacterial agent, helping blooms stay fresh longer.
Other kitchen staples can also prolong flower life. Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar with a teaspoon of sugar in the vase water can keep flowers fresh for a week or more. Similarly, adding a small amount of lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP provides sugars and acidity that nourish blooms. Crushing an aspirin tablet into the water lowers the pH and prevents bacterial growth thanks to salicylic acid.
Storing flowers in the fridge overnight can also help, but keep them away from fruits and vegetables, which release ethylene gas that ages flowers. For roses, a bonus tip: trim stems at an angle and dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds before arranging. This releases trapped air bubbles, allowing water to flow freely and keeping roses looking picture-perfect for longer.
